Stepanavan
Stepanavan
Geographical Position
Stepanavan (former name Jalal-Oghly, meaning "Son of Jalal") is the second largest city in the Lori Province of Armenia. The town is located 140 km north of Yerevan and 30 km north of Vanadzor, in the center of the Yerevan-Tbilisi highway. Nowadays, tourists from all over the world visit Stepanavan to enjoy the beauty of one of Armenia's most charming towns.
Stepanavan is situated on the Lori province to the north of the Bazum Mountains, close to the Dzoraget river. It is at an average elevation of 1375 meters above sea level. Stepanavan covers an area of 17 km2 with an estimated population of 24,000 people. Surrounded with thick forests and alpine meadows, Stepanavan has a relatively humid climate. January's average temperature is -13C and +28C in July. Stepanavan's annual precipitation is 683 mm with snowy winters.
General Description
Stepanavan is known for its pine forests and mountainous climate. The mountainous air of Stepanavan, filled with the aroma of pine trees, which contains strong bactericidal properties, is helpful for patients who suffer respiratory problems.
Stepanavan acquired its city status in 1810. This territory was where the Kingdom of Lori (known also as Kingdom of Tashir-Dzoraget) of the 10th century was found. The Fortress of Lori (a medieval royal palace complex) was also built here. At the Lori Berd (or the Lori Fortress), there are the ruins of a 10th century royal bathhouse and palace.
The present Stepanavan has been inhabited since the ancient times. The city's current location, on the southern bank of Dzoraget river, was founded in the 12th century. The Surb Sargis Armenian Apostolic church in the center of town proves this.
Stepanavan is a well developed city with many public libraries, sport schools, a cultural palace, modern hospitals, and hotels. The House-Museum of Stepan Shahumyan is in the center of the city.
The Stepanavan Dendropark is the center of interest to the general public, scientists, and tourists. You are given the opportunity to study the adaptive characteristics of different plants to new environmental conditions. Admission is free and open to the public.
Stepanavan has many restaurants and hotels, including the centrally-located Hotel Lore, Anahit's Resort, Vahagn's Resort (which is in the forest), and Paradise Hotel in the Amrakits village.
